Curtain Pleat Apparatus and Methods of Using the Same

ABSTRACT

Curtain pleat apparatuses comprise a cylindrical body with a passage therethrough longitudinally, and one or a pair of connectors on terminal ends thereof. The connectors are configured to connect to ringlets within a curtain, thereby maintaining a pleat within a curtain as it hangs on a curtain rod. A plurality of apparatuses maintains a plurality of regularly sized and shaped pleats within the curtain.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 63/186,406, titled “Curtain Pleat Apparatus and Methods of Using the Same,” filed May 10, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to curtain pleat apparatuses. Specifically, the curtain pleat apparatus comprises a cylindrical body with a passage therethrough longitudinally, and one or a pair of connectors on terminal ends thereof. The connectors are configured to connect to ringlets within a curtain, thereby maintaining a pleat within a curtain as it hangs on a curtain rod. A plurality of apparatuses maintains a plurality of regularly sized and shaped pleats within the curtain.

BACKGROUND

Curtains that cover windows, doorways, or other like openings typically comprise a sheet of flexible material, typically cloth, and typically have a plurality of ringlets near a top end thereof. A curtain rod is typically threaded through the ringlets of the curtain and mounted above the opening, so that the curtain hangs over the opening. Oftentimes, the curtain rod is weaved back and forth through the ringlets so that the curtains maintain a series of repeated pleats. Pleats are aesthetically pleasing and are often desired in curtains.

Pleats, however, are difficult to introduce into a curtain and more difficult to maintain. Specifically, because curtains are flat sheets, the natural inclination of curtains is not to form pleats, but to hang flatly on the curtain rod, as shown in FIG. 1. Weaving the curtain back and forth on the curtain rod often does not induce the pleats within the curtain. And pleats that are induced within the curtain are often irregular and unsightly. A need, therefore, exists for an improved apparatus for inducing pleats within a standard curtain hanging on a standard curtain rod.

Prior solutions for inducing pleats in curtain rods are often difficult and unwieldy to use. Specifically, prior solutions include using hooks, rods, or other like implementations that are often expensive, heavy, difficult to mount, and face other challenges. A need, therefore, exists for an improved apparatus for inducing pleats within a curtain that is lightweight and easy to manipulate on a curtain rod. Moreover, a need exists for an improved apparatus for inducing pleats within a curtain that can be managed by an individual and is inexpensive to manufacture.

Oftentimes, apparatuses used to induce and maintain pleats in curtain rods are often not hidden and are often unsightly, interfering with an individual's aesthetic enjoyment of the curtain and the pleats induced and maintained therein. A need, therefore, exists for an improved apparatus for inducing pleats within a curtain that is hidden or mostly hidden. In addition, a need exists for an improved apparatus for inducing pleats within a curtain that is made from a material that is transparent, camouflaged or otherwise difficult to see or detect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to curtain pleat apparatuses. Specifically, the curtain pleat apparatus comprises a cylindrical body with a passage therethrough longitudinally, and one or a pair of connectors on terminal ends thereof. The connectors are configured to connect to ringlets within a curtain, thereby maintaining a pleat within a curtain as it hangs on a curtain rod. A plurality of apparatuses maintains a plurality of regularly sized and shaped pleats within the curtain.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, A curtain pleat apparatus is provided. The curtain pleat apparatus comprises: a cylindrical body having a first end and a second end and a passage therethrough that is configured for a curtain rod to pass therethrough; and a first clip extending from the first end of the cylindrical body, the first clip configured to engage a first ringlet of a curtain that is disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the cylindrical body is configured to be disposed on the curtain rod between a first pleat of the curtain adjacent the first end of the cylindrical body and a second pleat of the curtain adjacent the second end of the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the curtain pleat apparatus further comprises a second clip extending from the second end of the cylindrical body, the second clip configured to engage a second ringlet of the curtain that is disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the curtain pleat apparatus further comprises a first flange extending from the first end of the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the curtain pleat apparatus further comprises: a second flange extending from the second end of the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the curtain pleat apparatus further comprises a first flange extending from the second end of the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the cylindrical body is configured to telescope to change its length.

In an embodiment, the curtain pleat apparatus further comprises the curtain rod disposed through the cylindrical body and a curtain disposed on the curtain rod; and a first pleat in the curtain extending from the first end of the cylindrical body to the second end of the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the curtain pleat apparatus further comprises a second pleat in the curtain disposed adjacent the first end of the cylindrical body; and a third pleat in the curtain disposed adjacent the second end of the cylindrical body.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a curtain pleat apparatus is provided. The curtain pleat apparatus comprises: a cylindrical body having a first end and a second end and a passage therethrough that is configured for a curtain rod to pass therethrough; and a first flange extending from the first end of the cylindrical body configured to be positioned adjacent a first ringlet of a curtain disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the cylindrical body is configured to be disposed on the curtain rod between a first pleat of the curtain adjacent the first end of the cylindrical body and a second pleat of the curtain adjacent the second end of the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the curtain pleat apparatus further comprises: a second flange extending from the second end of the cylindrical body configured to be positioned adjacent a second ringlet of the curtain disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the curtain pleat apparatus further comprises: a first clip extending from the first end of the cylindrical body configured to engage a first ringlet of a curtain that is disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the curtain pleat apparatus further comprises: a second clip extending from the second end of the cylindrical body configured to engage a second ringlet of the curtain that is disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the curtain pleat apparatus further comprises: a first clip extending from the second end of the cylindrical body configured to engage a first ringlet of a curtain that is disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the curtain pleat apparatus further comprises: the curtain rod disposed through the cylindrical body and a curtain disposed on the curtain rod; and a first pleat in the curtain disposed between the first end of the cylindrical body and the second end of the cylindrical body.

In an embodiment, the curtain pleat apparatus further comprises: a second pleat in the curtain disposed adjacent the first end of the cylindrical body; and a third pleat in the curtain disposed adjacent the second end of the cylindrical body.

In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of attaching a curtain pleat apparatus to a curtain rod to create a pleat in a curtain is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a curtain pleat apparatus comprising a cylindrical body having a first end and a second end and a passage therethrough that is configured for a curtain rod to pass therethrough, and a first clip extending from the first end of the cylindrical body, the first clip configured to engage a first ringlet of a curtain that is disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body; providing a curtain rod and a curtain with a plurality of ringlets; disposing the curtain on the curtain rod; placing the curtain pleat apparatus on the curtain rod such that the curtain rod extends through the cylindrical body of the curtain pleat apparatus; and clipping the clip on the first end of the cylindrical body to a first ringlet of the curtain.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises: disposing a first pleat of the curtain between the first end of the cylindrical body and the second end of the cylindrical body

In an embodiment, the method further comprising: disposing a plurality of curtain pleat apparatuses on a curtain rod; and forming a plurality of pleats in the curtain with the plurality of curtain pleat apparatuses on the curtain rod.

It is, therefore, an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for inducing pleats within a standard curtain hanging on a standard curtain rod.

Moreover, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for inducing pleats within a curtain that is lightweight and easy to manipulate on a curtain rod.

Further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for inducing pleats within a curtain that can be managed by an individual and is inexpensive.

Still further, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for inducing pleats within a curtain that is hidden or mostly hidden.

In addition, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for inducing pleats within a curtain that is made from a material that is transparent, camouflaged or otherwise difficult to see or detect.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art view of a curtain hanging on a curtain rod.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a curtain pleat apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a curtain pleat apparatus attached to a curtain ringlet on a curtain rod in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an attachment clip of a curtain pleat apparatus attached to a ringlet of a curtain on a curtain rod in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a curtain having a plurality of pleats caused by a plurality of curtain pleat apparatuses in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to curtain pleat apparatuses. Specifically, the curtain pleat apparatus comprises a cylindrical body with a passage therethrough longitudinally, and one or a pair of connectors on terminal ends thereof. The connectors are configured to connect to ringlets within a curtain, thereby maintaining a pleat within a curtain as it hangs on a curtain rod. A plurality of apparatuses maintains a plurality of regularly sized and shaped pleats within the curtain.

As shown in FIG. 1, a curtain 1 typically hangs on a curtain rod 2 over a window 3 or other opening for decorative purposes, and for limiting visibility from the outside and light entering the space. Typically, the curtain contains a plurality of ringlets 4, also known as eyelets or grommets, disposed near a top of the curtain for allowing the curtain 1 to be disposed on the curtain rod 2. The ringlets 4 allow the curtain 1 to easily slide on the curtain rod 2, and reinforce the holes disposed within the curtain through which the curtain rod 2. However, as shown in FIG. 1, curtains tend to hang flatly and unsightly on curtain rods. Pleats are often desired in curtains, as illustrated in FIG. 5, but are difficult to induce and maintain.

FIG. 2 illustrates a curtain pleat apparatus 10 in an embodiment of the present invention that may be used to induce and maintain pleats within a curtain hanging on a curtain rod. The curtain pleat apparatus 10 comprises a cylindrical body 12 having a passage opening 14 therethrough in the longitudinal direction of the body 12, configured to allow a curtain rod 2 to pass therethrough (as shown in FIG. 3). A first flange 16 may be disposed on a first end 18 of the body 12 and a second flange 20 may be disposed on a second end 22 of the body 12. The first and second flanges 16, 20 may aid in maintaining the apparatus 10 in position on the curtain rod and may prevent the apparatus 10 from accidentally passing through the opening in a ringlet of a curtain.

It should be noted that although the cylindrical body 12 of the present invention as shown in the figures has a round cross-section, the cylindrical body 12 may be any shape and size cylinder, including a triangular prism, a cuboid, or other geometric prismatic shape, as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the cylindrical body 12 may be a solid shape, a shape having cut-outs therein, as shown in the figures, or non-solid, such as a wire spring shape or other like shape.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the apparatus 10 may be disposed on a curtain rod 2 between adjacent ringlets 4 of a curtain 1 such that the apparatus 10 may act as a spacer and shaper of the curtain 1 when the curtain 1 is placed on the curtain rod. The first and second flanges 16, 20 may contact the adjacent ringlets on opposite sides of the apparatus 10 and maintain the shape of a pleat induced in the curtain by the apparatus 10.

A first clip 24 may extend from one or both flanges 16, 20. As illustrated in FIG. 2, first clip 24 extends from first flange 16 on the first end 18 of the body 12. The first clip 24 may have a curve or other similar shape to engage a ringlet of a curtain, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Thus, the first clip 24 may extend from the body of the apparatus, through ringlet, and attach to the ringlet on the opposite side of the curtain 1. In doing so, the apparatus 10 is locked in place adjacent the ringlet 4, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Although apparatus 10 is illustrated having only a single clip on the first end 18 and extending from the first flange 16 of the body 12, it should be noted that a second clip (not shown) may extend from the second end 22, extending from the second flange 18 of the body 12, thereby attaching to a ringlet 4 of the curtain 1 adjacent the second flange 18. However, to prevent clips from adjacent apparatus 10 from interfering with each other from opposite sides of the same ringlet, it has been found that use of a single clip on one end of the apparatus is preferred.

Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a plurality of apparatuses 10 may be utilized side-by-side along a length of a curtain rod 2 to induce and maintain pleats 5 in a curtain 1. The apparatuses are disposed behind the curtain 1 on the curtain rod 2 and are not readily visible to others. In addition, because the apparatuses 10 are maintaining in contact with and attached to the ringlets 4 of the curtain 1, as described above, the entirety of the curtain 1, including the induced and maintained pleats 5, may be moved en masse along a curtain rod 2 for desired positioning.

The apparatus 10 may be different sizes in various dimensions to handle different sized curtains, curtain rods, and for inducing different sized pleats therein. Alternatively, the apparatus 10 may extend longer or contract shorter to induce different sized pleats. For example, the apparatus 10 may telescope, having a bifurcated body, with a first portion that slides within a second portion, thereby allowing the first and second ends 18, 22 to be pulled apart or pushed together to change the overall length of the body 12.

The apparatus 10 may be made from any material, such as thermoplastic, wood, metal, glass, or any other material apparatus to one of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the apparatus 10 may be made from a thermoplastic material that is molded, carved, or 3D printed. Moreover, the apparatus 10 may be any color as desired. Preferably, the apparatus 10 may be transparent or substantially transparent so as not to be readily seen when disposed on a curtain rod and used to induce and maintain pleats within a curtain.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. 

1. A curtain pleat apparatus comprising: a cylindrical body having a first end and a second end and a passage therethrough that is configured for a curtain rod to pass therethrough; and a first clip extending from the first end of the cylindrical body, the first clip configured to engage a first ringlet of a curtain that is disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.
 2. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical body is configured to be disposed on the curtain rod between a first pleat of the curtain adjacent the first end of the cylindrical body and a second pleat of the curtain adjacent the second end of the cylindrical body.
 3. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a second clip extending from the second end of the cylindrical body, the second clip configured to engage a second ringlet of the curtain that is disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.
 4. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a first flange extending from the first end of the cylindrical body.
 5. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 4 further comprising: a second flange extending from the second end of the cylindrical body.
 6. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a first flange extending from the second end of the cylindrical body.
 7. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical body is configured to telescope to change its length.
 8. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the curtain rod disposed through the cylindrical body and a curtain disposed on the curtain rod; and a first pleat in the curtain extending from the first end of the cylindrical body to the second end of the cylindrical body.
 9. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a second pleat in the curtain disposed adjacent the first end of the cylindrical body; and a third pleat in the curtain disposed adjacent the second end of the cylindrical body.
 10. A curtain pleat apparatus comprising: a cylindrical body having a first end and a second end and a passage therethrough that is configured for a curtain rod to pass therethrough; and a first flange extending from the first end of the cylindrical body configured to be positioned adjacent a first ringlet of a curtain disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.
 11. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 10 wherein the cylindrical body is configured to be disposed on the curtain rod between a first pleat of the curtain adjacent the first end of the cylindrical body and a second pleat of the curtain adjacent the second end of the cylindrical body.
 12. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 10 further comprising: a second flange extending from the second end of the cylindrical body configured to be positioned adjacent a second ringlet of the curtain disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.
 13. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 12 further comprising: a first clip extending from the first end of the cylindrical body configured to engage a first ringlet of a curtain that is disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.
 14. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 13 further comprising: a second clip extending from the second end of the cylindrical body configured to engage a second ringlet of the curtain that is disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.
 15. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 14 further comprising: a first clip extending from the second end of the cylindrical body configured to engage a first ringlet of a curtain that is disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body.
 16. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 10 further comprising: the curtain rod disposed through the cylindrical body and a curtain disposed on the curtain rod; and a first pleat in the curtain disposed between the first end of the cylindrical body and the second end of the cylindrical body.
 17. The curtain pleat apparatus of claim 16 further comprising: a second pleat in the curtain disposed adjacent the first end of the cylindrical body; and a third pleat in the curtain disposed adjacent the second end of the cylindrical body.
 18. A method of attaching a curtain pleat apparatus to a curtain rod to create a pleat in a curtain, comprising the steps of: providing a curtain pleat apparatus comprising a cylindrical body having a first end and a second end and a passage therethrough that is configured for a curtain rod to pass therethrough, and a first clip extending from the first end of the cylindrical body, the first clip configured to engage a first ringlet of a curtain that is disposed on the curtain rod when the curtain rod is disposed through the cylindrical body; providing a curtain rod and a curtain with a plurality of ringlets; disposing the curtain on the curtain rod; placing the curtain pleat apparatus on the curtain rod such that the curtain rod extends through the cylindrical body of the curtain pleat apparatus; and clipping the clip on the first end of the cylindrical body to a first ringlet of the curtain.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: disposing a first pleat of the curtain between the first end of the cylindrical body and the second end of the cylindrical body
 20. The method of claim 18 further comprising: disposing a plurality of curtain pleat apparatuses on a curtain rod; and forming a plurality of pleats in the curtain with the plurality of curtain pleat apparatuses on the curtain rod. 